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AER/AGS Special Report 102

Limestone and Dolomite Prospects for Industrial Use in the Alberta Foothills and Front Ranges

AER/AGS Special Report 102

Limestone and Dolomite Prospects for Industrial Use in the Alberta Foothills and Front Ranges

K. Krueger, P. Kluczny and J. Dahrouge

Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd.

July 2016

AER/AGS Special Report 102 (July 2016) • iii

©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta, 2016ISBN 978-1-4601-0160-5

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Krueger, K., Kluczny, P. and Dahrouge, J. (2016): Limestone and dolomite prospects for industrial use in the Alberta Foothills and Front Ranges; Alberta Energy Regulator, AER/AGS Special Report 102, 16 p.

Author addresses:Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd.Suite 1810509 – 81 AvenueEdmonton, AB T6E 1X7Canada 780.434.9808

Published July 2016 by:Alberta Energy RegulatorAlberta Geological Survey4th Floor, Twin Atria Building4999 – 98th AvenueEdmonton, AB T6B 2X3Canada

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AER/AGS Special Report 102 (July 2016) • iv

AcknowledgementsFunding for this report was provided by Alberta Energy in support of a broader study of mineral potential of Alberta conducted by the Alberta Geological Survey.

AER/AGS Special Report 102 (July 2016) • v

AbstractThis report, produced by Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. at the request of the Alberta Geological Survey, provides an assessment of the distribution and potential of current limestone and dolomite prospects in the Alberta Foothills and Front Ranges outside of parks, First Nations lands, and current mineral tenure areas. It is part of a project funded by Alberta Energy with the intent to enhance Alberta’s mineral geoscience knowledge and to disseminate existing information. The specific purpose of this report was to provide geoscience information on limestone and dolomite prospects to help guide land-use planning.

This report provides maps of the Alberta Foothills and Front Ranges with the locations of documented occurrences and quarries of limestone and dolomite and includes short, plain language overviews of limestone and dolomite prospects for the South Saskatchewan, North Saskatchewan, Upper Athabasca, and Upper Peace regional land-use planning areas. Emphasis is given to occurrences of high-calcium limestone and high-quality dolomite, although prospective areas of carbonate for use as aggregate or building/decorative stone were also included.

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Limestone and Dolomite Prospects for Industrial Use

Along the Alberta Foothills

Prepared For:

Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)

Alberta Geological Survey (AGS)

Submitted To:

Gloria Lopez

Dean Rokosh

John Pawlowicz

Jill Weiss

Submitted: January 15, 2016

Re-Submitted: January 28, 2016

Prepared By: Kelly Krueger, Geo.I.T., Project Geologist

Patrick Kluczny, P.Geol., Senior Geologist / Manager

Jody Dahrouge, P.Geol., Senior Geologist

Dahrouge Geological Consulting

Suite 18, 10509 81 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 1X7, Canada

Tel: +1 780 434 9808 | Fax: +1 780 439-9789| www.dahrouge.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 3

2. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3

3. Upper Peace Regional Planning Area ....................................................................................................... 6

3.1 High-Calcium Limestone ............................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Aggregate and Building/Decorative Stone .................................................................................... 6 4. Upper Athabasca Regional Planning Area .................................................................................................. 6


4.1.1 Folding Mountain Area (P1) ................................................................................................ 6

4.1.2 North of Cadomin (P2) ........................................................................................................ 6

4.1.3 South of Cadomin (P3) ........................................................................................................ 6

4.2 Dolomite .................................................................................................................. 7

4.2.1 South of Cadomin (P3) .......................................................................................................... 7

4.3 Aggregate and Building/Decorative Stone .................................................................................... 7

5. North Saskatchewan Regional Planning Area ............................................................................................ 7


5.1.1 Nordegg Area (P4) ............................................................................................................... 8

5.1.2 North Abraham Lake (P5).................................................................................................... 8

5.1.3 South Abraham Lake (P6) ................................................................................................... 8

5.1.4 Ram Falls Area (P7) ............................................................................................................. 8

5.1.5 Ya-Ha-Tinda Area (P8) ......................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Dolomite .................................................................................................................. 8

5.2.1 Nordegg Area (P4) ................................................................................................................ 9

5.2.2 North Abraham Lake (P5) ...................................................................................................... 9

5.2.3 South Abraham Lake (P6) ..................................................................................................... 9

5.2.4 Ram Falls Area (P7) .............................................................................................................. 9

5.2.5 Ya-Ha-Tinda Area (P8) .......................................................................................................... 9


6. South Saskatchewan Regional Planning Area ............................................................................................ 9


6.1.1 Exshaw Area (P9) ................................................................................................................ 10

6.1.2 Bragg Creek Area (P10) ...................................................................................................... 10

6.1.3 Holy Cross Mountain Area (P11) ........................................................................................ 10

6.1.4 Livingstone Mountain Area (P12) ....................................................................................... 10

6.1.5 Thunder Mountain Area (P13) ............................................................................................. 10

6.1.6 Crowsnest Pass (P14) ......................................................................................................... 10

6.1.7 Blairmore Area (P15) ........................................................................................................... 10

6.2 Dolomite .................................................................................................................. 11

6.2.1 Exshaw Area (P9) .................................................................................................................. 11

6.2.2 Crowsnest Pass (P14) ........................................................................................................... 11


7. Conclusions .................................................................................................................. 11

8. References .................................................................................................................. 12

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1: Limestone and Dolomite Formations in the Front Ranges and Foothills of Alberta ........................... 4

Figure 1: Carbonate Occurrences and Quarry Locations Map .......................................................................... 5

Figure 2: Upper Peace Regional Planning Area Map ....................................................................................... (at end)

Figure 3: Upper Athabasca Regional Planning Area Map ................................................................................. (at end)

Figure 4: North Saskatchewan Regional Planning Area Map ........................................................................... (at end)

Figure 5: South Saskatchewan Regional Planning Area Map ........................................................................... (at end)

* Bold text denotes high-calcium limestone prospect areas

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1. Executive Summary

Several distinct areas within the Foothills and Front Ranges of Alberta have been identified as having

potential for high-calcium limestone and/or high quality dolomite. Prospective areas cover known high-

quality carbonates based on previous exploration records/reports, are within close proximity to existing

transportation infrastructure and are not overlapped by parks or existing mineral tenures.

Within the Upper Peace Regional Planning (UPRP) area, all occurrences of high-quality limestones are

inside park boundaries (Figure 2) and therefore no prospects have been identified. The Upper Athabasca

Regional Planning (UARP) area hosts three prospects (P1-P3) covering approximately 220 km2, which

are within the Folding Mountain and Cadomin areas (Figure 3). Five prospective locations (P4-P8) have

been identified within the North Saskatchewan Regional Planning (NSRP) area, which encompass an

area of approximately 630 km2. These sites are located in the Nordegg, Abraham Lake, Ram Falls and

Ya-Ha-Tinda areas (Figure 4). The South Saskatchewan Regional Planning (SSRP) area hosts seven

prospects (P9-P15) totaling approximately 520 km2, which are within the Exshaw, Bragg Creek, Holy

Cross Mountain, Livingstone Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Crowsnest Pass and Blairmore areas

(Figure 5).

2. Introduction

Limestone is considered an industrial mineral with common and potential future uses including, but not

limited to, quicklime, Portland Cement, aggregate, building stone, decorative stone, paper filler, riprap,

sugar refining, water treatment, hydrated agricultural/chemical grade, ag-lime, and whitener (Holter,

1994). Areas prospective for high-calcium limestone (and high quality dolomite) are generally limited to

the Foothills and Front Ranges of Alberta. Limestone is actively quarried at Cadomin, Nordegg, Prairie

Creek, Corkscrew Mountain, Exshaw Area and Crowsnest Pass (Figure 1). Much of the region is currently

reserved from exploration and development due to current land use zone restrictions, including Land Use

Zone 1 (LUZ1) designated areas.

Limestone is a calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and is generally considered high-calcium when it contains

90% CaCO3 or greater and limited impurities (specifically SiO2). Since there are variations in carbonate

compositions in all stratigraphic units, lime operators often blend high and lower-calcium limestones in

order to achieve a bulk composition of greater than 90%. Large tonnages and good access to major

roads/rail are critical to development of any industrial mineral. Currently, the most common use of high-

calcium limestone in Alberta is for the production of cement and quicklime.

Dolomite (also referred to as dolostone) is a calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg[CO3]2), and is most

commonly used in the construction industry. Typically, it is harder, denser and more durable than

limestone, so it is often preferable for concrete and construction aggregate. Crushing and re-sizing for

specific road building uses, railroad ballast, rip-rap or fill, and decorative/dimension stone are additional

uses for dolomite. The chemical grade is secondary in importance to hardness and durability; however,

high-quality dolomite is typically over 40% MgCO3.

Limestones that do not meet chemical requirements for high-calcium purposes may have potential use as

aggregate or building/decorative stone. However, this is highly dependent on proximity to transportation

infrastructure.

In Alberta, the main sources of high-calcium limestone and dolomite are Paleozoic-aged (Cambrian –

Permian) strata within the Front Ranges and Foothills. The most noteworthy limestone and dolomite-

bearing units in the Upper Peace, Upper Athabasca, North Saskatchewan and South Saskatchewan

Regional Planning areas are summarized in Table 1; geologic formations with either current or historic

production are highlighted.

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Table 1: Limestone and Dolomite Formations in the Front Ranges and Foothills of Alberta

* Blue denotes high-calcium limestone formations with current or historic production * Purple denotes high quality dolomite formations with current or historic production * Grey denotes limestone formations with current or historic aggregate or building stone production * Sourced from Holter (1976) and Alberta Geological Survey (2015): Alberta Table of Formations, Alberta Energy Regulator, URL

https://www.aer.ca/documents/catalog/TOF.pdf [2015-11]

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Figure 1: Carbonate Occurrences and Quarry Locations Map

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3. Upper Peace Regional Planning (UPRP) Area

3.1 High-Calcium Limestone

All limestone and dolomite-dominant strata in the UPRP are currently covered by existing parks and

protected areas (Figure 2). Historic exploration and development for ag-lime occurred southwest of Grand

Cache from the Devonian Palliser and Mississippian Pekisko formations (MacDonald and Hamilton,

1981); however, the area is now restricted from these activities.

3.2 Aggregate and Building/Decorative Stone

In the UPRP, the only known potential carbonate for industrial use is within the Nordegg Member of the

Jurassic Fernie Formation, a cherty limestone unit, which is up to 40 m thick in the Peace River Area

(Poulton et al., 1994). Although there has been limited exploration targeting this unit in the UPRP, it may

prove sufficient for building stone or aggregate.

4. Upper Athabasca Regional Planning (UARP) Area


High-calcium limestone is actively quarried at one of two quarries located in Nikanassin Range, south of

Cadomin (Figure 3). The quarries target two separate belts of exposed Palliser Formation for high-

calcium limestone, which is used for cement production (Halferdahl, 1967). In the past, some material

from the Cadomin quarries has also been used for crushed stone. Some exploration and development

has also occurred in the Brûlé/Folding Mountain area, targeting high-calcium limestone of the

Mississippian Pekisko Formation of the Rundle Group, where an approximately 18 m thick interval of

high-calcium limestone was identified. Both the Cadomin quarry and Brûlé/Folding Mountain areas are

currently held under mineral tenure. LUZ1 currently limits exploration and development south of

Highway 16.

Although there has been limited exploration within the Devonian Arcs Member of the Southesk Formation,

it outcrops south of Cadomin and may have some high-calcium limestone potential. Elsewhere in the

Rocky Mountains, its thickness ranges from 12-74 m (Glass, 2014).

4.1.1 Folding Mountain Area (P1)

Several high-calcium limestone prospects occur outside parks/protected areas and existing mineral

tenures within the UARP (Figure 3). The first prospect (P1 – approx. 12.8 km2) is a thin, but well-exposed

band of Devonian and Mississippian strata just south of Highway 16 and Jasper Park Gate. A historical

(abandoned) quarry at the park gate targeted massive, high-calcium, finely crystalline Upper Palliser

limestones (approximately 96% CaCO3) (Holter, 1976). P1 includes a band of Palliser Formation, likely

comparable to those encountered nearby at the park gate. Additionally, P1 may also cover Mississippian

limestones with high-calcium potential. Prospect P1 is easily accessible, located proximal to rail lines and

Hwy 16.

4.1.2 North of Cadomin (P2)

The second prospect (P2 – approx. 42.1 km2) covers Mississippian limestones, most likely of the Rundle

Group, located approximately 7 km west of Cadomin. Prospect P2 is situated along Hwy 40 with rail lines

nearby.

4.1.3 South of Cadomin (P3)

The third prospect (P3 – approx. 168.4 km2) is located less than 1 km southwest of First Nations

Settlement #234 (Alexis Cardinal) and covers extensive outcrops of both Devonian (Palliser) and

Mississippian (Rundle) limestones. P3 can be accessed via existing forestry roads.

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4.2 Dolomite

4.2.1 South of Cadomin (P3)

Hamilton (1967) sampled the Devonian Cairn Formation along the southern extent of the Whitehorse

Wildland Provincial Park to test for dolomite potential. The Cairn Formation, which ranges from 80-180 m

in the Rocky Mountains, is primarily crystalline dolomite. This area, which is located in the northern part of

P3 (approx. 168.4 km2), may have potential for high quality dolomite.

Other units that may have potential for high-quality dolomite are the Mississippian Turner Valley and the

lower part of the Devonian Palliser Formation. Both formations have returned MgCO3 values in the 40-

46% range further south in the Nordegg area, but without obtaining additional samples, their potential is

uncertain in this area. These units occur within P1-P3, but their lithology and quality have not been

confirmed in the UARP.


A number of carbonate units in the UARP (Table 1) may have potential for building stone and aggregate,

depending on market conditions and end use.

The Triassic Whitehorse Formation (of the Spray River Group) has previously been explored in both the

Folding Mountain and Cadomin areas, where it consists primarily of cherty dolomite. Given the proximity

to existing infrastructure, these areas may have potential for aggregate and/or building stone.

Outcrops of Devonian Mount Hawk and Palliser formations exist west of Brûlé Lake, approximately 25 km

west of Hinton. Given the proximity of these outcrops to CNR’s main rail line, there may be building stone

or aggregate potential (Holter, 1976). The area west of Brûlé Lake is currently within a LUZ1 area.

5. North Saskatchewan Regional Planning (NSRP) Area


Despite extensive exposures of Cambrian to Mississippian limestones within the NSRP, there are no

current operational quarries that produce cement or quicklime; however, three quarries target limestone

for aggregate and building/decorative stone (Figure 4). The Brazeau Range near Nordegg and the

Limestone Range west of Caroline host significant occurrences of Devonian Palliser Formation, which is

quarried elsewhere in the province for cement, and may have potential for quicklime. The Palliser

Formation is up to 250 m thick near Nordegg and has an upper high-calcium member (93-96% CaCO3)

between 40-45 m thick.

Nordegg Quarry, adjacent to the town of Nordegg, exposes the Mississippian Pekisko Formation, a

coarsely crystalline crinoidal limestone. The quarry produces crushed stone, feedstock to the Prairie

Creek Quarry and historically, lime for sugar refining.

Exposures of Mississippian Pekisko Formation are also abundant in the Brazeau, Clearwater and

Limestone ranges, with measured thicknesses of up to 40 m. This high-calcium packstone to grainstone-

rich limestone (generally ranging between 95-98% CaCO3) is considered suitable for quicklime and

cement production (Holter, 1976). The majority of high-calcium limestone exposures within the Pekisko

and Palliser formations are currently covered by MAIM (Metallic and Industrial Mineral) agreements

(Figure 4).

High-calcium limestone is known within the Cambrian Eldon Formation. It was historically quarried at

Windy Point along the shoreline of Abraham Lake. This limestone was used for the production of cement

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and crushed stone. Hamilton (1987) identified Eldon carbonates (ranging from 97-99% CaCO3) as having

the greatest potential for paper-filler and extenders in Alberta, given their relatively light color.

An exposed road-cut on the south end of Abraham Lake contains a high-calcium limestone in an outcrop

of the Chephren Member of the Cambrian Mount Whyte Formation (Hamilton, et al., 1998). At its type

section near Lake Louise, this member is up to 44 m thick and varies from fine lime mudstone to coarse

grainstone.

Another unit with high-calcium limestone potential in the NSRP is the Mississippian Livingstone

Formation, which is the equivalent of the Pekisko-Shunda-Turner Valley sequence further east. Holter

(1976) suggests that the Livingstone is suitable for cement and quicklime production. In the Crowsnest

Pass area, quicklime was historically produced from the Livingstone.

Several high-calcium limestone prospects occur outside parks/protected areas and existing mineral

tenures within the NSRP, although several are within LUZ1 areas and are currently not available for

exploration or development (Figure 4).

5.1.1 Nordegg Area (P4)

Prospect P4 (approx. 64.4 km2) occurs along a northwest trending band of Devonian and Mississippian

rocks along Highway 11, approximately 15 km west of Nordegg. Although there has been no documented

exploration for high-calcium limestone in this area, there is potential within the Palliser and Pekisko

formations.

5.1.2 North Abraham Lake (P5)

Prospect P5 (approx. 136.2 km2) covers the historic Windy Point Quarry site, located along Highway 11,

on the western shore of Abraham Lake. In addition to the Eldon Formation, the Palliser and Livingstone

formations also have potential for high-calcium limestone. This area has favorable access due to its

proximity to Highway 11, but it is adjacent to extensive LUZ1 areas.

5.1.3 South Abraham Lake (P6)

Prospect P6 (approx. 58.0 km2), located south of Abraham Lake, includes occurrences of Cambrian and

Devonian carbonates along Highway 11. High-calcium limestone potential exists within the Mount Whyte

Formation (Hamilton et al., 1998) as well as the Livingstone Formation (Holter and Hamilton, 1989).

Similar to P5, this area has favorable access due to its proximity to Highway 11, but it is also bordered by

extensive LUZ1 areas.

5.1.4 Ram Falls Area (P7)

Prospect P7 (approx. 295.4 km2) encompasses vast exposures of Devonian and Mississippian

carbonates west of Ram Falls. Although there has been no documented exploration for high-calcium

limestone in this area, there is potential within the Palliser and Livingstone formations. P7 is almost

entirely enclosed by LUZ1 areas.

5.1.5 Ya-Ha-Tinda Area (P8)

Prospect P8 (approx. 76.9 km2) contains an extensive range of Devonian and Mississippian carbonates

east of Ya-Ha-Tinda Ranch. Although there has been no documented exploration for high-calcium

limestone in this area, there is potential within the Palliser and Livingstone formations. P8 is almost

entirely enclosed by LUZ1 areas.

5.2 Dolomite

Prairie Creek Quarry, located 55 km southwest of Rocky Mountain House on Secondary Highway 752,

currently produces three materials: an aesthetically appealing black, grey and brown mottled high-silica

limestone marketed as ‘Rocky Mountain Rustic’, dolomite and limestone. It is likely that Prairie Creek

Quarry exploits the Turner Valley Formation for dolomite, and the Pekisko Formation for limestone.

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Dolomite from this quarry has been used as ballast for the Edmonton LRT expansion projects

(Barnes, 2009).

In addition to the Turner Valley Formation, the Cambrian Pika-Eldon formations, Cambrian Lynx Group,

Cambrian Cathedral Formation, and the Devonian Palliser Formation and Fairholme Group may have

potential for high-quality dolomite (Holter and Hamilton, 1989).

5.2.1 Nordegg Area (P4)

Prospect P4 (approx. 64.4 km2) covers the Fairholme Group and Turner Valley Formation, which may

have potential for high-quality dolomite. West of Nordegg, Hamilton (1967) described a section of

potential high-quality dolomite within the Devonian Fairholme Group, with a thickness of over 200 m. Both

the Turner Valley and Lower Palliser have returned MgCO3 values in the 40-46% range near Nordegg,

over significant thicknesses.

5.2.2 North Abraham Lake (P5)

The northern end of Abraham Lake, Prospect P5 (approx. 136.2 km2), includes potential high-quality

dolomites of the Lynx and Fairholme groups. The Lynx Group dolomites, which Hamilton (1969)

described as very hard and up to 35 m thick, returned values of 40% MgCO3 in the same area.

5.2.3 South Abraham Lake (P6)

Prospect P6 (approx. 58.0 km2) covers the Cambrian Cathedral Formation, which according to Glass

(2014) consists of fine- to coarse-grained crystalline dolomite. In the Abraham Lake area, values are up to

42% MgCO3.

5.2.4 Ram Falls Area (P7)

The Fairholme Group in the Ram Falls area (P7 – approx. 295.4 km2), which is extensively covered by

LUZ1 lands, has high-quality dolomite potential (Hamilton, 1967).

5.2.5 Ya-Ha-Tinda Area (P8)

The Pika and Eldon formations were described by Hamilton (1969) as a high-quality dolomite with a

combined thickness of 126 m near the Ya-Ha-Tinda area (P8 – approx. 76.9 km2). Additionally, the Lynx

and Fairholme group dolomites may have high-quality potential.


The Corkscrew Mountain Quarry, located along Hwy 591, is approximately 65 km southwest of Rocky

Mountain House at the south end of Corkscrew Mountain. The quarry exposes both the Banff Formation

and overlying Pekisko Formation to produce aggregate and building/decorative stone.

A number of carbonate units in the NSRP (Table 1) may have potential for building stone and aggregate,

depending on market conditions and end use. The most accessible potential aggregate sources occur in

the prospect areas previously discussed.

6. South Saskatchewan Regional Planning (NSRP) Area


Summit Lime Works, located in southern Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass area, has been active from the 1880’s

to present (Goudge, 1945) (Figure 5). The quarries target high-calcium limestone of the Mount Head and

Livingstone formations for the production of quicklime and crushed stone. Another small quarry east of

the limestone quarries exposes high-quality dolomite of the Fairholme Group (Holter, 1976). Overall the

quality of the Livingstone Formation is highly variable, but contains thick beds of high-calcium grainstone

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throughout. Several members of the Mount Head Formation also contain thick intervals of high-calcium

homogeneous packstone and grainstone, which consistently return values over 95% CaCO3.

An active quarry and lime plant near Exshaw (known as the Gap Quarry) targets high-calcium limestone

of the Mount Head Formation; however, it has been previously reported as the Livingstone Formation

(Holter, 1976). The high-calcium intervals consist of massive grainstone and lesser amounts of mudstone

and may be up to 40 m thick.

High-calcium limestone beds within the Cambrian Eldon Formation have been previously quarried (as late

as 1962) by Loders Lime Quarry. Some intervals returned values ranging up to 98-99% CaCO3 (Holter,

1976).

The Exshaw cement plant exploits the high-calcium Devonian Palliser Formation. The cement produced

is a heterogeneous mixture of limestone, shale and sandstones (Holter, 1976).

A historic quarry and plant at the base of Bluff Mountain near Blairmore, targeted a 10 m band of

medium-grained, crinoidal high-calcium limestone. This band of limestone is near the top of the

Mississippian Livingstone Formation and averaged 96-98% CaCO3 (Holter, 1976).

6.1.1 Exshaw Area (P9)

Prospect P9 (approx. 77.8 km2), located in Bow Corridor near Exshaw, covers high-calcium limestones of

the Eldon, Palliser, Livingstone and Mount Head formations (Figure 5). This area has excellent access,

with proximity to Highway 1 and rail. The majority of occurrences are currently under mineral tenure,

covered by LUZ1 areas or within lands where mineral rights are not owned by the Crown.

6.1.2 Bragg Creek Area (P10)

Prospect P10 (approx. 93.0 km2) includes extensive north trending exposures of Mississippian

carbonates. High-calcium potential exists within the Livingstone and Mount Head formations. Prospect

P10, located approximately 15 km west of Bragg Creek, can be accessed via Highway 66.

6.1.3 Holy Cross Mountain Area (P11)



P11, approximately 30 km west of Longview at the southern extent of Holy Cross Mountain, can be

accessed via Highway 541. Portions of this prospect are covered by LUZ1 areas and provincial parks.

6.1.4 Livingstone Mountain Area (P12)



P12 covers portions of Windy Peak, Livingstone Mountain, Hailstone Butte and Plateau Mountain, and

can be accessed from the Forestry Trunk Road or Highway 532. A significant portion of this prospect is

currently covered by LUZ1 area and provincial parks.

6.1.5 Thunder Mountain Area (P13)



P13, which is accessible from the north via the Forestry Trunk Road or from the east from Highway 22,

encompasses limestone along Livingstone Range. There is minimal overlap of Prospect 13 by provincial

parks and LUZ1 area.

6.1.6 Crowsnest Pass (P14)



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P14 has excellent access, with Highway 3 and rail nearby. The majority of Prospect P14, which includes

Summit Lime Works, is either under mineral tenure, covered by LUZ1 area, or within lands where mineral

rights are not owned by the Crown.

6.1.7 Blairmore Area (P15)


carbonates. High-calcium potential exists within the Livingstone and Mount Head formations. Additionally,

Prospect P15 covers a band of Devonian Palliser Formation with high-calcium limestone potential

(Macdonald and Hamilton, 1981). Prospect P15 has excellent access, with Highway 3 and rail nearby and

minimal area is covered by LUZ1 area.

6.2 Dolomite

6.2.1 Exshaw Area (P9)

Limestone prospect P9 (approx. 77.8 km2) also contains exposures of potential high-quality dolomite of

the Fairholme Group. Holter (1976) reports several sample values ranging from 42-44% MgCO3. High-

quality dolomite potential may also exist within the lower member of the Palliser Formation.

6.2.2 Crowsnest Pass (P14)

Prospect P14 (approx. 101.8 km2) exposes parts of the Fairholme Group and Palliser Formation, both of

which have potential for high-quality dolomite. Hamilton (1987) describes the Fairholme Group east of

Summit Lime Works as buff, crystalline dolomite up to 30 m thick.


A number of carbonate units in the SSRP (Table 1) may have potential for building stone and aggregate,

depending on market conditions and end use. The most accessible potential aggregate sources occur in

the prospect areas previously discussed.

7. Conclusions

A number of prospective areas in the Foothills and Front Ranges of Alberta have been identified as

having potential for high-calcium limestone and/or high quality dolomite. Within the UPRP area, known

carbonate formations with potential are currently covered by park lands. Much of the high-potential

Paleozoic limestones within the UARP, NSRP and SSRP areas are covered by LUZ1 areas, which

currently prohibits exploration and development activities. Restriction of these activities has resulted in an

insufficient dataset to accurately estimate the quality and potential of many areas with Paleozoic

carbonates. Geologic studies of limestones and dolomites in each of the identified prospective areas is

recommended to ascertain their optimal end uses.

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8. References

Barnes, .R. (2009): Fish Creek Excavating Ltd. Agreement Change Order for Purchase of Dolostone Aggregate; Transportation and Public Works Committee Edmonton, 2 pages

Glass, D.J. (editor) (2014): CSPG Lexicon of Canadian Stratigraphy, Volume 4, western Canada, including eastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba.

Goudge, M.F. (1945): Limestones of Canada, Their Occurrence and Characteristics, Part 5, Western Canada; Canada Mines Branch, Publication no. 811, 227 pages, 6 figures, 2 maps.

Halferdahl, L.B. (1967): Limestone on Leyland Mountain near Cadomin, Alberta; Research Council of Alberta, Open File Report 1967-07, 18 pages.

Hamilton, W.N. (1967): Alberta Geological Survey Economic Minerals File, Unpublished notes maintained by Wylie Hamilton.

Hamilton, W.N. (1969): Alberta Geological Survey Economic Minerals File, Unpublished notes maintained by Wylie Hamilton.

Hamilton, W.N., Price, M.C., and Chao, D.K. (1998): Geology of the David Thompson Corridor; Alberta Geological Survey Map 233A, 1:100,000 scale.

Hamilton, W.N. (1987): Field Evaluation of Prospective Filler-Grade Limestones in Alberta; Alberta Research Council, Alberta Geological Survey, Open File Report 1989-14, 50 pages, 1 appendix.

Holter, M.E. (1976): Limestone Resources of Alberta; Alberta Research Council Economic Geology Report 4, 35 pages, 21 figures, 3 appendices.

Holter, M.E. (1994): A Review of Alberta Limestone Production, Marketing, Distribution, and Future Development Possibilities; Holter Geological Services, Alberta Research Council, Alberta Geological Survey, Open File Report 1994-15, 85 pages, 47 figures.

Holter, M.E., and Hamilton, W.N. (1989): An Evaluation of Alberta Limestones for Use as Paper Filler Materials; Minprobe Consultants Ltd., Alberta Research Council, Alberta Geological Survey, Open File Report 1990-11, 101 pages.

Macdonald, D.E., and Hamilton, W.N. (1981): Limestone Prospects in the Vicinity of Crowsnest Pass: A Preliminary Assessment; Alberta Research Council, Alberta Geological Survey, Open File Report 1982-10, 48 pages, 3 figures, 2 appendices.

Poulton, T.P. et al. (1994): Chapter 18 – Jurassic and Lowermost Cretaceous Strata of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin; in Geological Atlas of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, G.D. Mossop and I. Shetsen (comp.), Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists and Alberta Research Council, URL , [January 7, 2016].

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Mineral Occurrences/ Showings

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Approx. Extent of Foothills

Railway

Roads

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First Nations Lands

MAIM Agreements

Parks

Regional Planning Areas

Bedrock GeologyJurassic to Neogene

Pennsylvanian to Triassic

Mississippian & Uppermost Devonian

Devonian

Ordovician

Upper Cambrian

Middle Cambrian

Lower Cambrian

Precambrian

Figure 2Upper Peace Regional

Planning Area

KK 2016.01

Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd.Edmonton, Alberta

Source for Bedrock Geology Digital Dataset (DIG 2013-0018): AER/AGS, compiled and edited by G.J. Prior and R. ElgrSource for Mineral Occurrence Digital Dataset (DIG 2003-0014): Price, M.; Hamilton, W.N.; Fildes, B.J., 2003. Edited by Krueger, K., 2016.

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olumbia


Figure 3Upper Athabasca Regional

Planning Area

KK 2016.01


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Ordovician

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Middle Cambrian

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Kilometres


British C

olumbia

Figure 4North Saskatchewan Regional

Planning Area

KK 2016.01



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Parks

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Ordovician

Upper Cambrian

Middle Cambrian

Lower Cambrian

Precambrian

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Kilometres


Figure 5South Saskatchewan Regional

Planning Area

KK 2016.01


British C

olumbia


AER/AGS Special Report 102: Limestone and Dolomite ...ags.aer.ca/document/SPE/SPE_102.pdf · Use in...

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